County Executive, Council Chair Avert Closure of Hospital System

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and County Council Chair Camille Exum announced tonight that the county will provide funding support to sustain hospital system operations through June 2008.

“The actions taken today by myself and the County Council will ensure that our citizens and residents will continue to have access to quality healthcare while we work together to develop a long-term solution for the hospital system,” Johnson said.

“This is a complex issue that cannot be resolved in the short term.  Our action today affords us an opportunity to complete the process for addressing critical systemic problems and the long-term comprehensive solution necessary for a viable hospital system,” Exum said.

The Dimensions Board of Directors accepted the county’s proposal during their board meeting this evening and tabled any discussion surrounding closure or bankruptcy of the hospital system.

The amount of operational funding the county will provide over the next 15 months is not yet known.  A determination will be made after review of Dimensions cash flow projections, expected to be submitted to the county tomorrow.